LED Exterior Lights Recommendations?

I'm looking to replace all my exterior lights with LED bulbs. Does anyone have any recommendations for either individual bulbs or full kits?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/jumpers-leds.176932/
And
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fs-waterproof-under-bed-rail-led-lights.253004/

 

This may sound like a dumb question, but why? Most inexpensive (and many expensive) LEDs actually produce less usable light. And many LED headlight replacement bulbs produce dangerous amounts of glare for oncoming drivers while putting less usable light on the ground in front of you. Finally, there are literally tons of cheap Chinese LED bulbs out there that promise to improve everything including your sex life. The vast majority of them are a total waste of money though.

I hope I didn't sound too negative, but LED replacement bulbs are pretty much a waste of money. If you want LED lighting though - and are willing to spend some bucks - there are a few choices out there.

BTW, you might want to do some searching in the Lighting forum here. Lots of good information.

 

I know LED is all the rage with the cool kids, and there are appropriate applications. But before you jump into wholesale swapping, read these first.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/automotive-lighting-101.534393/#post-17380915

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-h4-not-led-or-hid.398066/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-foglight-upgrade-h11-not-led-or-hid.435419/

 

Only reverse light for me. I'd like to get the Vleds drl/turn signal thingy to reduce heat

 

For led headlights I’d also add this thread demonstrating why that is a poor idea:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/why-leds-should-not-be-run-in-halogen-reflectors.454371/

For reverse lights:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-921-led-reverse-light-bulb-study.490137/

 

I replaced a bunch (reverse, map, dome, etc) with Sylvania ZEVO LEDs. They’re a little expensive when you buy them all separate but sure seem bright (and whiter light which I like).

 

use the Sylvania bulb guide and order the bulbs from Amazon (with good reviews)...as stated don't replace your headlight bulbs. I have LEDs in my front corner markers, drl/signal, and reverse and they're terrific...don't think some people in this thread know what they're talking about.

 

Sorry to hear that you think some of us don't know what we're talking about. Over forty years of working with automotive lighting has dimmed my knowledge somewhat.

As for the Sylvania LED's, they're generally better than the Chinese junk that has flooded the market. That said, my son installed a set of Sylvania 7443 LED Stop / Running Light bulbs in his Scion xB. I was so appalled at the output that I made him take them out. One could hardly tell when he hit the brakes. Yes, they were that bad. At least they were cheap enough that throwing them away didn't make him feel all that bad.

On the other end of the spectrum, I have (among other things) a set of VLEDS V6 Triton 3157 amber LED bulbs in the rear turn signals of my 2014 Tacoma. Truth be told, they're quite impressive. But for about a hundred bucks for the bulbs and the modular resistors, they're pretty pricey. Then again, they show how much one really has to spend to get decent LED replacement bulbs.

So not all LED replacement bulbs are bad, but you're going to pay a premium for anything that actually performs or lasts more than a few months. And please don't fall victim to the claimed output of most of these bulbs because most of them (especially the cheap ones) don't put out anything near what they advertise.

 

When I tested the Sylvania LEDs in the 921 led reverse thread, they were about half the lux output of stock. Definitely not something I’d run for brake lights. Many of those LED products have designs that don’t utilize the internal reflector, so the lens illumination is terrible, which if you want to convey red=braking is a pretty bad thing.

 

To say they were beyond pathetic would be generous. I don't know about you, but I consider brake lights to be a safety item and the absolute last thing I want is dimmer ones. But kids - even mine - think LEDs are cool. Oh well, they're in the landfill (where they belong) now!

 

Mirror mirror, mirror on the wall............

But you got that part correct!

 

I agree. I've searched and tried many leds for what I thought was cool and THOUGHT was brighter but was not. In daytime sunny weather, you can barely see the brake lights. Stock incandescent bulbs are much brighter . Interiors are fine but as far as BRIGHTER brake lights, I'm still searching. I'd love to have blaring bright tail lights.